FA Cup First Round
Rochdale 3 - 1 Swindon Town

Rochdale progressed to the second round of the FA Cup after Nathanial Mendez-Laing’s hat-trick dispatched of fellow League One side Swindon Town.

Mendez-Laing headed home from close range after a scramble in the area midway through the first half and powerfully doubled the advantage 60 seconds into the second half. He completed his hat-trick and secured the match ball in the 69th minute from the penalty spot after Joe Bunney was hauled down.

The gloss was slightly taken off the win when Callum Camps left the field on a stretcher after a bad challenge from Louis Thompson.

Keith Hill made four changes from last Saturday, Ash Eastham, Michael Rose, Andy Cannon and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing were preferred to Tom Kennedy, Jamie Allen, Ian Henderson and Olly Lancashire.

Rochdale were dominant throughout and with new Swindon manager Martin Ling taking charge for the first time, Dale wouldn’t allow the visitors any kind of foothold in the game.

The Dale fans thought their side had been awarded a penalty after Andy Cannon went to ground inside the area, however, referee Sarginson booked the Dale man for simulation.

A series of corners for Dale brought about the opening goal after Jim McNulty’s header looped up onto the crossbar; Mendez-Laing was on hand to head the rebound through a number of defenders on the line for this first goal for the club.

Swindon keeper Lawrence Vigouroux had to be at his best to deny Bunney with a low one handed save just before the interval.

With fans still making their way back to their seats for the second half, Dale doubled their advantage. A great run down the right saw Vincenti get a sight of goal, although his shot was well blocked. The loose ball fell nicely to Mendez-Laing who rifled a powerful shot past Vigouroux.

His hat-trick was completed midway through the second half from the penalty spot, although it took intervention of the assistant referee to award the spot kick. Bunney was blatantly hauled down inside the area but referee Sarginson only awarded a corner. Fourth official Mr Denton signalled to the referee he thought it was a foul and the penalty was awarded. Mendez-Laing drilled the ball down the centre into the net to claim the match ball.

With the excitement dying down from the home fans, Swindon were awarded a penalty of their own less than 60 seconds later. Scott Tanser tripping Ajose with the former loanee dusting himself down to bring the tie alive once again.

A nasty looking challenge on Callum Camps by Thompson brought about ugly scenes with both sides getting involved in a fracas. Camps was taken away to hospital whilst Lund and Thompson were cautioned.

The remainder of the game was seen out with little drama as Dale sealed their place in the second round draw on Monday evening.

Attendance: 2,060

Rochdale: Lillis, Cannon, McNulty, Eastham, Tanser, Rose, Lund, Camps (80), Vincenti (c), Mendez-Laing (McDermott 90), Bunney (Andrew 81)
Subs: (not used) Castro Pereira, Lancashire, Alessandra, Kennedy

Swindon: Vigouroux, Turnbull, El-Abd, Branco, Barry, Kasim (c), Thompson, Rodgers (Balmy 70), Ojamaa (Robert 55), Ajose, Obika (Hylton 81)
Subs: (not used) Ottewill, Brophy, Ian-Dolo, Belford

Referee: Mr C Sarginson